[newopty]

I have just been reading another thread where there are suggestions for getting an alarm system which reminded me of something. I recently purchased a new home with an alarm system and have been debating whether or not to have the system monitored. Does it really help paying for a monitoring service? If so, any suggestions for a monitoring company in the Vegas area.

[ScoopLV]

Originally Posted by newopty

I have just been reading another thread where there are suggestions for getting an alarm system which reminded me of something. I recently purchased a new home with an alarm system and have been debating whether or not to have the system monitored. Does it really help paying for a monitoring service? If so, any suggestions for a monitoring company in the Vegas area.

It's hard to say. The system only works when it's armed. And most people don't have the alarm on when they're at home. Also, most systems mean that if the alarm trips and nobody answers the phone, they'll send a security dude to give the house a once-over.

If our system trips, the entire house goes "live" -- the monitoring service can hear what's going on inside the house. Our phone doesn't ring, I can just talk to the monitoring service from any room in the house. And if they hear screams or evidence of trouble, they send Metro (not some rent-a-cop). A house guest once tripped our alarm, didn't speak English, and couldn't convince the monitoring service that she had any business inside the house. Metro was there in five minutes.

But, keep in mind, that in the event of a real emergency, five minutes is an ETERNITY. An alarm system is just one piece of the home-security puzzle. Add a dog, baseball bat, or a 12 gauge as necessary.

[vtvette]

Originally Posted by ScoopLV

It's hard to say. The system only works when it's armed. And most people don't have the alarm on when they're at home. Also, most systems mean that if the alarm trips and nobody answers the phone, they'll send a security dude to give the house a once-over.

If our system trips, the entire house goes "live" -- the monitoring service can hear what's going on inside the house. Our phone doesn't ring, I can just talk to the monitoring service from any room in the house. And if they hear screams or evidence of trouble, they send Metro (not some rent-a-cop). A house guest once tripped our alarm, didn't speak English, and couldn't convince the monitoring service that she had any business inside the house. Metro was there in five minutes.

But, keep in mind, that in the event of a real emergency, five minutes is an ETERNITY. An alarm system is just one piece of the home-security puzzle. Add a dog, baseball bat, or a 12 gauge as necessary.

Scoop, do you mind sharing what system and service you have?

[nfapps]

If your alarm is compatible, Alarm Relay company - #1 Alarm Monitoring Company | Security Systems for Homes and Offices offers reasonably priced monitoring.

Best Regards

[mikealarm]

Originally Posted by newopty

I have just been reading another thread where there are suggestions for getting an alarm system which reminded me of something. I recently purchased a new home with an alarm system and have been debating whether or not to have the system monitored. Does it really help paying for a monitoring service? If so, any suggestions for a monitoring company in the Vegas area.

It is always better to be monitored because if they disable your siren your alarm becomes useless, and you can be monitored from any central station anywhere in the country.

[Kalbo]

Monitored or not those that break in know they can be in and out well before any response arrives. A friend in North Las Vegas was in Henderson alarm company called said alarm going off. They confirmed it was valid and said they would send their response team. My friend returned to his house 35 min later, and response guard didn't show up for another 25 minutes.

A Strikemaster II on the door frame and security film on the windows is a better way to go. Goal should be to keep them out, an alarm only lets you know they got in.

[mikealarm]

Alarms are not going to stop anybody from trying to get in, it just keeps them from staying a long time and cleaning you out, and also the alarm helps when your asleep, to keep from being assaulted, sometimes it takes awhile for the police to get there, other times they may be around the corner and be there within two minutes.

[dynimagelv]

MY understandng is that Metro wil NOT respond to an alarm....ever and will rarely respond to a alarm company call in...NLV used to ....I personally prefer the barkin dawg/pistol security system


I just have to remember to keep the pistol low enough that the dawg can get it ....

[Girlesq]

Your homeowner's policy will give you a discount if monitored

[bayview6]

I talked with ADT the other day and they stated that Metro will charge a god awful fee for false alarms so ADT hires an armed security outfit to respond to any tripped alarm. Probably the bad guys know how fast any particular company responds to an alert. Need to balance security with cost. You best bet even with a monitered alarm is to be sure that the front door can't be easily kicked in and keep all the windows and doors locked and have outside lights on. If you are comfortable with firearms, have one handy. Also, a safe room inside the house with a dead bolt is not a bad idea.